Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Reilly for bringing forward this legislation and for his enlightening and emotional contribution. Fianna Fáil fully supports the Bill. I have a speech in front of me that is full of statistics which highlight where mistakes have been made in the past not only by this Government and that which preceded it but by Governments that were in power over the past decade or so. However, I shall not use such information. In light of the legislation before us, this is a positive evening for the Seanad and I very much welcome the contribution made by Senator Reilly. I also welcome the initiatives that the Minister has outlined. I encourage him to work to a tighter timeframe than the one he outlined.

Interestingly, while researching this matter, I learned exactly what autism spectrum disorder means. The Mayo Clinic has defined the disorder as a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. The disorder also includes restricted repetitive behaviours, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. In 1996, a declaration by the European Parliament stated that people with autism should have the same rights enjoyed by all EU citizens, where such be appropriate and in the best interest of the person with autism, and that these rights should be enhanced and enforced by appropriate legislation in each member state. Diagnostic services, individualised education, family support, housing, vocational training and lifelong care will all now have to be adequately addressed and appropriate services will have to be provided. The legislation before us will go a long way towards fulfilling what was sought in the declaration to which I refer.

In the context of the Bill, I commend a lady from my constituency of County Monaghan, Lisa Marie Clinton, who has received an array of awards. Most recently, she won the award for Monaghan's best start-up business in Ireland and best entrepreneur competition for her company AVAIL, or Assisted Visuals Achieving Independent Living. The company provides an e-learning app and web portal for children and adults with intellectual or development disabilities, namely, autism. With a bit of support from the local enterprise office in Monaghan, Lisa Marie has created a revolutionary tool that promotes lifelong learning and helps children with autism to live as independently as possible. It is people like Lisa Marie who need to be commended, supported and encouraged.

Again, I congratulate Senator Reilly for bringing forward his legislation and I ask that arrangements be made to take Committee Stage as a matter of urgency. I give the Senator a commitment that my party will support him in that regard.